UVM installs environmentally friendly lights

University swaps out 1,000-plus lamps with LED lights

University of Vermont is putting the spotlight on going green -- again.

The school is finishing up a two-year lighting project that is saving them a whole lot of money and reducing their carbon footprint.

UVM electricians are completing the installation of LED lights in more than 1,300 outdoor lamps across campus.

The new lights will save an estimated 500,000 kilowatts of electricity a year -- enough to power 100 Burlington homes for a year.

The investment cost the university $225,000, but administrators said the return is a savings of $75,000 a year.

They said the project is environmentally friendly, too, because the bulbs prevent carbon dioxide emissions from being released. Also, the longer lifespan of the bulbs means fewer lights going into landfills.

Overall, students will notice brighter walkways, but administrators hope it sends a message beyond campus.

"It's a good thing for our planet overall, and it is a good way to save money, as well, so we're hoping that others can replicate what we are doing," said Richard Cate, senior vice president of finance and administration for UVM.

The university partnered with Burlington Electric Department on the project.

The lighting project is funded by the university's Green Revolving Fund, an initiative started last year. Cate said money saved goes back into the fund for future green investments. UVM is already working on a second project: Covering steam pipes with thermal blankets. That's expected to save the institution $25,000 a year.